Location: Olympia Dance Studio, Bellamystraat 47/49, Amsterdam
“Together we celebrate our light within, and it’s the same light which society tries so hard to dim. To Vogue is to learn and speak our visual language. Therefore anyone can learn, but for you not to be vague...you must stand for something. You must have something to say.” - Mother Amber Vineyard
Bow down Queens - Mother Amber “The Ambiance” Vineyard has arrived! An incredible pioneering collective based here in Holland; House of Vineyard creates safe platforms to spread the all-inclusive empowerment that defines the Dutch LGBTQ Ballroom Scene. Anyone worth their Netflix account has seen an episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, so I won’t explain what “voguing” is… but what you may not know is that this dance style actually emerged in Harlem, and has since gone on to become a foundation of LGBTQ dance. This Friday, House of Vineyard host exciting guests from the Parisian Ballroom scene to teach you how to serve face (and body-ody-ody), vogue like a true queen, and “put your drama in the dance” just like Mother Amber herself. Can I get an Amen up in here?
Location: Rembrandt Park
Come and say, “à votre santé” this Friday at the Netherlands first authentic Champagne festival, when Rembrandt park will be transformed into a romantic farmers market that will have you thinking you’re strolling along the French countryside. With over 100 wines and champagnes on offer from famous Champagne houses to small boutique growers, you’ll be spoiled for choice — but don’t fear! The price for a glass of bubbles starts as low as €4, so you don’t have to be a champers connoisseur to get a little bubbly. Among the lavender filled lanes you’ll find more than just wine; you can stomp some grapes, try your hand at Pétanque or enjoy some authentic French cuisine. Ahh oui oui, j’aime le champagne!
Location: Rhonepark, 1043 Amsterdam
Every year, the wonderful family behind Nomads Festival gather the wanderers of the world to come together for a weekend of music, dance and love in their very own desert oasis. This weekend, do as the OG Nomads did — trust in the universe and follow the stars (or google maps) to find your tribe and create the best of vibes … all in the conveniently located Rhonepark, just minutes away from Amsterdam’s Sloterdijk Station! This is a festival celebrating the sense of connection and community that comes from music, with two of Amsterdam’s best soul-dance labels; Slapfunk Records and Lumberjack in Hell hosting sets throughout the two-day Nomadic trip. Remember… not all those who wander are Lost ;)
Location: Café de Cuevel, Korte Papaverweg 4, 1032 KB Amsterdam
If you are yet to discover the floating oasis hideaway that is Café de Cuevel - were about to let you in on one of Amsterdam’s best kept secrets. On the surface, Cuevel looks like a charming cafe, bar & restaurant on a former shipyard. But if you look closer, you’ll see it is really an eco-experiment on urban sustainability; a greenhouse, cultural arts space and education centre, circular office park, floating bed & breakfast — a place of innovation, creativity, sustainability & community. This Sunday is the perfect time to get acquainted with the floating paradise, as Café Cuevel are hosting a summer event on their Workship on a ‘pay what you want’ basis. All of Cuevel’s small stages will be filled with “summer angels” of literature in the broadest sense; there will be music, readings, poems, lectures and films, with award-winning modern Beat poet Maxime Garcia Diaz headlining the bill. Afterwards, you can gather with your fellow summer angels for a heavenly meal, grown on-site! Bliss…